Reliability Analysis of Bearing Load Capacity of V-Clamp Band Under Parameters’ Uncertainty

Clamp band joints are commonly used for connection of the cylindrical shells. Parameters of the joint like coefficients of friction and preload of the metal belt are uncertain and follow a certain distribution in real world conditions. In this paper, a finite element model of the joint is introduced which takes parameters uncertainty into account with reasonable amount of computational costs in a way that best reflect the real world working conditions. Thus, the joint is partitioned into sectors which only contain one v-segment then each sector are substituted with an equivalent nonlinear spring. Results of the model are compared with experimental results in the literature for verification. Firstly, distribution of the stiffness and load bearing capacity are calculated utilizing Monte Carlo Simulation. Then, reliability of a joint designed by applying a known safety factor instead of utilizing uncertainty analysis is estimated. Finally a decision table is formed based on the simplified model in the design cycle, in which one can achieve appropriate safety factor by selecting uncertainty percent and required level of reliability